PBSO: WPB home health care worker stole jewelry from elderly patient

A home health care worker from suburban West Palm Beach is facing criminal charges after she allegedly stole and pawned more than $28,000 worth of jewelry from an elderly patient.

Barbara Royal, 32, was arrested Tuesday on charges of exploitation of an elderly person, dealing in stolen property, grand theft and false verification of ownership. She was released from the Palm Beach County Jail Wednesday on $18,000 bail.

Authorities say Royal worked at the home of an 87-year-old woman from July 9-15. The woman and her daughter later reported that three jewelry items were missing.

A gold wedding band valued at $6,900, a gold bangle bracelet valued at $18,000 and a gold fishtail necklace valued at $3,500 were reported missing, according to a probable-cause arrest affidavit made public Wednesday.

A review of pawn shop transactions showed that Royal pawned a gold ring hours after finishing her first day caring for the patient, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said. She reportedly received $190 for the ring.

The pawn shop manager returned the ring for free and requested that the pawn shop be listed as the victim in the case, the affidavit said.

Royal worked for multiple home health cares in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties and authorities believe there may be other victims.

Anyone who believes they have missing items is asked to call Detective Krystal Gornall at 561-688-4043, or 800-458-TIPS (8477).